The Met Office has forecasted that Somerset and much of the UK will enjoy above-average temperatures this August Bank Holiday Monday. As the three-day weekend kicks off on August 23, many hope for one last taste of summer sunshine before autumn sets in.
Although temperatures won’t match the intense 33°C highs seen earlier this summer during the heatwave, Monday is set to deliver pleasant conditions, with highs reaching around 26°C. The weekend itself will be somewhat cooler, with Saturday and Sunday expected to bring a mix of sunshine and clouds, and maximum temperatures around 24°C.
Saturday’s weather will feature a blend of sunny spells and cloud cover, with light winds making it feel warm in the sunshine. Sunday should see slightly warmer temperatures alongside intervals of sunshine. According to the Met Office, “High pressure dominating over the UK will bring largely dry and settled weather with periods of sunshine, especially on Monday.”
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Deputy Chief Meteorologist Stephen Kocher highlighted a developing weather story for the weeks ahead: “We are monitoring Hurricane Erin, currently a category three storm east of the Bahamas. It’s expected to transition into an ex-hurricane and may influence UK weather by next week, bringing low pressure, unsettled conditions, and possible wet and windy weather.”
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen added that while high pressure will keep rain mostly offshore this weekend, cloud cover will cause variability in temperatures. “Eastern areas might feel cooler on Saturday under cloud cover, but temperatures will generally rise over the weekend, potentially reaching up to 28°C in southern and central England on Monday,” Gundersen explained. Any rainfall over the weekend, primarily in parts of Northern Ireland, northern England, and western Scotland, will be short-lived and light.
Looking ahead, Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tony Wisson explained the forecast uncertainties linked to Erin: “Although much remains to be determined about the exact path and strength of ex-Hurricane Erin, we expect it to weaken into a broad low-pressure system as it moves toward the UK midweek. This will disrupt the current settled weather pattern, bringing spells of rain and possibly strong winds from Tuesday, with heavier rain likely in western regions.”
Forecasters urge the public to enjoy the fine, warm weather over the Bank Holiday weekend while keeping an eye on updates as Erin’s track develops.